It’s down to the wire and you (and/or Santa) need last minute stocking stuffer ideas .  This year, instead of silly socks and chocolate Santas, try Idaho food and beverage items.  Not only are they delicious and useful, but Idaho Preferred gift items are also unique and might actually surprise someone on Christmas morning!

For those adults in your family who still hang their stockings, try Idaho wines.  With over 30 wineries now making delicious fruity whites and rich complex reds, you can find a wine to fit everyone's  taste.  Idaho wines also make the perfect hostess gift.  To find great Idaho wines, visit www.idahowines.org.  Adult stockings can also be filled with Idaho spirits from potato and huckleberry vodkas to cherry and apricot brandy – perfect for holiday celebrations.  Stockings not big enough?  Then try a gift certificate to a locally owned restaurant that supports Idaho farmers and ranchers by serving local foods on their menus.  For restaurant ideas, go to www.idahopreferred.com.

No matter their age, everyone craves a sweet treat now and then.  Look for Idaho candy made with local sugar, butter and maybe even some huckleberries from Weiser Classic Candies.  Or try all natural sweet creamy toffee made by The Toffee Cottage in Emmett.  Huckleberry syrup, local honey, fruit jams or wine jellies also make great little stocking stuffers.  Add a scone, flapjack or bread mix - or pick up fresh bread at a local bakery – for a gift that will be enjoyed long after the lights are taken down and the stockings are stored.  For another “sweet” option add Idaho apples or fresh cheese curds to your family’s stockings – or better yet fill a basket with several varieties of local apples and set it near the stockings – Santa will certainly enjoy this healthy alternative to your children’s sugar cookie masterpieces as he goes about his nights work!